Tips for forcing branches of shrubs and trees into bloom

The bright yellow blossoms of the forsythia bush are one of the easiest spring-flowering… (FRAN KITTEK, SPECIAL TO…)

February 15, 2013|By Sue Kittek, Special to The Morning Call

If you've had more than enough winter and need a spring pick-me-up, try forcing branches into bloom. Most spring-flowering shrubs and trees can be forced into bloom. Some like forsythias and pussy willows for example, are much easier than others. The process is simple:

•Make sure that the plant has had at least 8 weeks of cool to cold temperatures (Below 40 degrees). Remember to make good pruning cuts; use clean tools and don't destroy the natural shape of the plant.

•Wait for a mild day and cut mature branches with a diameter of ½-inch or less. Cut branches at least a foot long; up to three feet long is reasonable.

•Cut branches with swollen flower buds, preferably already showing some color. Flower buds are generally larger than leaf buds; if you are unsure, open a few and examine them.

•Immediately place the cut ends in water. Recut the stems as soon as you take them indoors.

•Strip off all small twigs and buds that will end up below the water level in your selected container. Make a slit several inches long in the stem end or crush it with a hammer to encourage water absorption.

•If possible, submerge the branches in a bucket or tub of cool water overnight. This will rehydrate the branches and encourage breaking dormancy. Then place the stem ends in water and wait for the blooms. Change the water often.

•If you can't soak them, frequently mist the branches as they sit in buckets of water for the first few days after cutting. Increase and maintain humidity by wrapping the branches in damp burlap or newspaper.

•Keep the branches in a relatively cool area (60-65 degrees) with bright but not direct light.

•When the buds are about to burst open, arrange them for display and enjoy the process of blooming. Expect blooms to take three weeks or more to emerge.

•Display your arrangement in bright but not direct light. The blooms will last longer when placed in an area where the nighttime temperatures are cool (40-60 degrees).

•Don't:

•Place in a warm room or direct sunlight

•Allow plants to suffer from low humidity

•Select immature buds or try to force before plants have had their necessary dormancy period.

Spring garden series

Once again the Lehigh and Northampton County Penn State Master Gardeners are offering a series of lectures on garden topics. The classes will be presented in both counties: March 19 and April 2 at Lehigh County Agricultural Center, and March 20 and April 3 at the Bethlehem Township Community Center. This year's topics are:

•Salsa Gardening: How to grow your own tomatoes and peppers to make delicious fresh homemade salsa.

•Lasagna Gardening: An environmentally friendly method of gardening that requires no digging or tilling.

•Organic Gardening: What is organic gardening and what benefits can it offer you.

Registration is limited and the fee for each class is $8 (or $25 for all four). Contact the Lehigh County Cooperative Extension Office, 610-391-9840, for information.

Flower shows

We are lucky enough to have two spring flower shows in our area: the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Valley Flower, Garden and Pool Show. Both offer a preview of spring and inspiration for the home gardener:

•Philadelphia Flower Show: March 3-10 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia 19107). This year's theme is "Brilliant!" a tribute to Great Britain. Check with local garden clubs for bus trips to the show or drive down for a visit on your own schedule (theflowershow.com).

•Valley Flower, Garden and Pool Show: March 8-10 at Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds, 17th and Chew streets, with exhibits, speakers and vendors (http://www.valleyflowershow.com/). Adult admission is $8 and parking is free.

In the garden

I got my seed order from Renee's Garden (online catalog sales http://www.reneesgarden.com and select retailers) this weekend. Our giant sunflower this year will be Sunzilla, described as big-framed, strong plants reaching 12-16 feet tall.

Fran's favorite flower last year was tithonia, red-orange star shaped flowers on tall branching velvety stems. So we'll be starting Torch Tithonia (T. rotundifolia or Mexican sunflower) from seed in a few weeks. We love scarlet runner beans and this year we've selected Magic Beanstalk to sow in late spring when nights stay above 50 degrees. My sweet peas, my seed of choice for sowing on St. Joseph's Day (March 19) or St. Patrick's Day (March 17), will be Jewels of Albion, a blend of especially fragrant antique varieties. Tradition says that sowing seeds on one of these days assures a successful garden this season.